Mike Stock reflects on Kylie Minogue’s breakthrough and the legacy of Stock Aitken Waterman
Mike Stock recounts the pivotal moment when Kylie Minogue nearly missed her chance at pop stardom. As the principal songwriter for the renowned production team Stock Aitken Waterman, Stock was unexpectedly introduced to Minogue, the then-teenage star from the Australian soap Neighbours, on the brink of her career. He was informed that Minogue was set to fly back to Australia later that day, compelling him to write a song quickly, leading to the creation of her chart-topping debut “I Should Be So Lucky,” reports BritPanorama.
When Minogue arrived at the studio, Stock was unfamiliar with her work but received a brief overview. He learned she was an award-winning actress with a promising dance career. “She used to turn up at the studio crocheting, so you didn’t get a sense of a major star,” Stock explained. However, once she began singing, the transformation was striking. Stock, along with his collaborator Matt Aitken, composed the hit in just over 30 minutes, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey for Minogue.
Minogue’s latest project, a life-spanning documentary titled Kylie, underscores her influence on pop music culture. Reflecting on those early days, Stock acknowledged that despite Minogue’s modest demeanor, her talent was undeniable. Over the years, Stock Aitken Waterman produced four albums and 18 hits for Minogue, helping to shape her into a global icon with chart-toppers like “Better the Devil You Know” and “Especially For You,” her duet with Jason Donovan.
Initially sceptical about Minogue’s potential, Stock noted the sudden change in perception when it was revealed that a duet with Donovan had garnered substantial pre-orders. The duo’s popularity was emblematic of the success achieved by Stock Aitken Waterman, who dominated the charts in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The team is credited with producing 13 number-one hits and more than 100 top 40 songs, all while reshaping the sound of pop music with their signature Hi-NRG style.
Despite their enormous success, relationships with artists were sometimes challenging. Bananarama, for example, appeared to view Stock Aitken Waterman as interlopers in the vibrant music scene. The untimely death of Melanie Appleby from the duo Mel and Kim remains a painful memory for Stock and Aitken. Stock remarked on the industry’s attempts to undermine their success, stating that their singles were often intentionally kept out of the top 40.
In the face of criticism from the music press, the trio propped up their image with clever marketing tactics. Their ability to counter derision was demonstrated when they found acclaim for an unnamed track that was later revealed to be one of their own. Reflecting on their label, Stock expressed ambivalence towards the moniker “Hit Factory,” likening it to a sausage factory in its connotation. He emphasized that their approach to songwriting was always personalized rather than formulaic.
However, internal tensions eventually led to Aitken’s departure in 1991 and Stock’s fallout with Waterman two years later over creative direction and financial disagreements. Both sides pursued legal action regarding royalties but ultimately dropped the case due to costs. Over the years, the relationship has evolved, with Stock acknowledging a more amicable dynamic with Waterman today.
Currently, Stock continues to work in the music industry, collaborating with former artists while voicing his dissatisfaction with contemporary pop music, which he believes lacks the depth and soul of earlier years. His opinions extend to modern pop stars, where he critiques both their artistic merit and the industry’s reliance on streaming models that he perceives as undermining traditional measures of success.
Last year, Stock Aitken Waterman received a blue plaque honouring their contributions to the music industry in Southwark, a testament to their lasting impact. Despite the challenges they faced, Stock remains proud of their legacy and the music that resonated globally. Suzette Charles’s self-titled album is set to release on 22 May, alongside The Fizz’s new single, “A Crazy Shot in the Dark,” on the same date.
